Washington Karate Association

The Washington Karate Association was founded in 1966 by Julius Thiry in Seattle, Washington. As an institution dedicated to the sport of Karate, it has garnered international acclaim for Washington State, while educating and stewarding thousands of exceptional students, athletes, and citizens.

Over 250,000 students have trained in the WKA. And nationally, twice that many have been tutored by Hanshi Thiry.

The WKA is successful greatly due to the dedication of its directors, teachers and students who share a common sense of health of mind and body. To do this in such a community is nothing short of stimulating and rewarding.

Hallmarks of WKA Karate-ka (students of Karate-do)

1. Citizenship
2. Academic and/or professional excellence
3. Filial duty
4. Integrity and ethical conduct
5. Willingness to be morally proactive

There are no short cuts to excellence. While most of us may not achieve our most lofty goals and aspirations, it is nevertheless important to bring our utmost to all of which we are a part.

Harmony and strength are important partners. A balanced character is most often achieved through persistence, consistent practice of correct action and mindfulness toward morality. Karate-do specifically points to Karate as one vehicle for self awareness and personal development. When one understands that character is derived from a series of challenges, the process or path itself becomes enjoyable.

The WKA is a member of the International Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation.